Power Snacks: Healthy Mini Meals for All-Day Energy

Snacking Satisfaction

Whether you're in the kitchen or on the go, we've got easy-to-prepare snacks for every craving: sweet or salty, creamy or crunchy, hot or cold.

The best snacks are a mix of complex carbs and protein -- a combo that metabolizes slowly, giving you more energy over time. You can look to leftovers for satisfying snacks, but watch the portion sizes: That means one ounce of cheese; two to three ounces of meat or fish; or 1/4 cup, give or take, of nuts.

Even if you're pressed for time, you can still snack smart: Skip vending-machine fare and pick wasabi beans, dehydrated soybeans, or carrot sticks with hummus, baba ghanoush, or caponata -- or try one of the following 16 recipes. (All calories are approximate.)

The Perfect Hard-Boiled Egg

Cover eggs with cold water by 1 inch. Bring water to a boil. Keep covered and remove from heat. Let stand 13 minutes. Drain and run under cold water. (To spice it up, cut the egg in half and top with a dash of salt mixed with paprika; pepper and lemon zest; or chili flakes.) One large egg is 1 serving (78 calories).

Avocado and Lime

Halve or quarter a small avocado and remove pit. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon of your highest-quality olive oil and sprinkle with coarse
salt and fresh pepper to taste. Spark with a squeeze of fresh lime. Serves 1 (361 calories).